1802 Lavishly Illustrated Nine-Volume "The Dramatic Works of Shakspeare" Printed by John and Josiah Boydell

Item Details

A lavishly illustrated nine-volume collection of The Dramatic Works of Shakspeare revised by George Steevens and published in London by W. Bulmer and Company for John and Josiah Boydell. This set is commonly referred to as the Boydell Shakespeare. Published in 1802, the collection features ninety-nine engraved plates with half-titles. It is bound in modern quarter calf with marbled boards with gilt title labels. This is the first Boydell edition of this impressive collection of Shakespeare’s works.

In 1786, Josiah Boydell conceived of a grandiose project in which the greatest English painters of the day were commissioned to create works inspired by the plays of Shakespeare. Boydell, in turn, would publish large engraved prints of the paintings and an edition of Shakespeare’s works featuring the engravings. The Boydell Shakespeare Gallery opened in June 1789 with thirty-four paintings. The work was originally issued in parts with finely executed engravings after the original paintings.

Note: Lot weighs 110 lbs.

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Condition

- ex-library but in good condition; title with ink-stamp to verso and a blind stamp to title and final leaf of each volume; some foxing in limited places (particularly to leaves facing plates in some instances); minor spots/stains in a few places; some light offsetting from plates and some plates with toned margins.

Dimensions

- measures the whole set; individual books measure 13.5" W x 17.25" H x 2.5" D. Wt. 110 lbs.

Item #

17IND051-016